This 3 day course presents the background and history of the ASME Code for boiler and pressure vessel design and construction. Specific attention is also paid to the organization and use of the Code. At the end of the course the attendees will be able to manipulate the ASME Code for their own application.

Practical workshops are foreseen to enhance Code utilization.

DAY 1: What is the ASME Code?

• General introduction to the ASME B&PV Code 
• Comparison and relationship with other US and European Codes: ANSI, ASTM, AWS, ASNT, French RCCM, German KTA 
• Administration of the ASME Code and organization of the Code editions and addenda 

Why was the Code introduced and how is it applied in the nuclear industry?

• Significant events in the USA 
• References to US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and NRC Regulatory Guides 
• Design Basis and the Code 
• Adaptation and use of the ASME Code in European Countries. Position of the respective National Regulatory Bodies 

How is the ASME Code organized?

• Detailed content of the ASME B&PV Code 
• Definitions 
• Organization in sections 
• Organization in subsections and articles /Interpretations and Code cases 
• Relationship between the different parts of the Code 
• Nuclear Power Plant components: definition of and relationship between ANSI Safety Classification and ASME Code Class

DAY 2: Specific presentation of the Code sections of main interest to the Nuclear Power Industry

• Section II Material Specifications (Ferrous, Nonferrous and Welding Materials)
• Section III Subsection NCA 
  • Scope of each Subsection 
  • Structure in Articles (1000 to 8000) 
  • Subsection NB: Class 1 Components 
  • Article 2000 (Material) 
  • Article 3000 (Design) 
  • Article 4000 (Fabrication and Installation) 
  • Article 5000 (Examination) 
  • Article 6000 (Testing) 
  • Subsections NC, ND: Class 2 and 3 Components 
  • Subsection NF: Component Supports 
  • Subjection NG: Core Support Structures 

Specific presentation of the Code section III Article NB-3000 (Class 1 Components Design)

• This presentation will address the concepts and background applied in NB-3000: General Design, Design by Analysis (i.e. NB-3200, stress categories and respective limits), Design by Rules (e.g. NB-3600 Piping) 
• Purpose, meaning and details of specific equations will be presented (e.g. NB-3600 Class 1 fatigue analysis) 

Workshop on the use and application of ASME III subsection NB.

DAY 3: Specific presentation of the Code sections

• Section V: Nondestructive Examination NDE methods and actual records will be presented to the attendees 
• Section VIII: Pressure Vessel, relation and difference with Section III 
• Section IX: Welding and Brazing Qualifications 

Introduction to Fracture Mechanics concepts and their application in ASME III Appendix G, ASME XI, and 10CFR50 Appendix G

• Section XI: In-service Inspection of NPP components 

Exercises on Section XI application

Summary overview of the Code usage through the component life (design, inspection, repair, fatigue monitoring)

Current development of the Code, NRC position, European Regulators position.